So that explained why we spied well-wishers – dozens and dozens of them – setting up chairs all along the sidewalk, block after block. Most seemed to be doing their best to maintain a safe social distance. But I noticed a fair amount of fudging going on, too: Very few (if any) of the congregants wore cough-masks. And it’s ever-so-possible that something less than a six-foot distance was being maintained between each person along the way.

Yeah, MAYBE all these folks were staying socially distant and six-feet-apart.

Not too surprising, I suppose. Eight weeks into our state’s shelter-in-place mandate, folks have begun to chafe at the imposed isolation. We are experiencing a thirst that a Zoom chat does not seem to quench. And so, our “social quota” has begun to trump our caution. We are feeling the deprivation in our bones.

On some level, I guess I’m glad that the local Class of 2020 got its drive-by celebration. I’ll leave to others to discuss the wisdom or folly contained in such decisions to congregate, even when spurred by noble intent.

For my part, I find myself more intrigued by this thirst itself – a thirst made manifest in an impromptu parade. And part of me wonders how many of my neighbors recognized the Grand Marshall at the head of the procession. I thought sure I saw him there – the One with the power to calm our stormy seas and offer us Living Water.

‘Found’ Spirituality

John Schroeder

A spiritual pilgrim...who also happens to be a professional writer...one who enjoys sharing stories of his encounters along the way. Most days, those encounters are occurring in and around my community in Manchester, MO (St. Joseph Parish).
For more about my commercial experience, see my Personal Links below.
http://www.corpwrite.com/
http://www.linkedin.com/in/corpwrite
https://withusstill.wordpress.com/